Salt of the Earth

The people of Katwe in western Uganda have worked the nearby salt lake for centuries. It is the most important natural resource in the area and the only source of income for many, between 800 and 1200 men, women and children work in and around the lake everyday. Whole families work their pans together or are hired to work somebody else's. The lake produces three qualities of salt, Rock salt, which is chipped away from the bottom of the lake and used for livestock, a second grade of salt which is used in the preservation of hides, and white salt which is fit for human consumption.
During the dry season a salt pan can produce up to eight 100 kg bags every three weeks, but prices are low with a 100kg bag ranging from $1 to $6 depending on the quality and seasonal demand.
2 of 17 next